Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

A winery is making its way through the permitting process. Last week, the Haines Borough Assembly unanimously approved the liquor license application for the Three Northmen winery owned by Chris Thorgesen, Jeremy Groves and Chad Clark.

The proposed winery will be located behind Alaska Wild Bear Photography, across the street from the bank, according to a diagram in the assembly packet. Thorgesen said he and his partners do not want to comment on their business until more of the licensing hurdles have been cleared.

The application process for a liquor license is lengthy. It requires approval from a number of entities including local government and state agencies like the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office said applicants should plan for a three- to six-month process.

If and when the winery opens, Haines will have reached the legally-allowed limit for this type of business. In Alaska, one winery is allowed per 3,000 people. The same population ratio applies to breweries and distilleries.